In this inspiring episode of Positive Solutions 4 Life, host Peggy Meyer sits down with Dr. Barbara Minton — psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician — to explore how music can calm the nervous system, transform emotions, and support deep healing.
As the visionary behind the neuroscience-based album Calm the Storm, Dr. Minton shares how her research bridges science and art — showing that music doesn’t just soothe us; it interacts with our brain to restore balance.
This episode dives into the fascinating science of sound, emotion, and self-awareness, offering practical ways to use music intentionally for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.
💬 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:-
How Dr. Minton’s background in psychology, neuroscience, and music led to the creation of Calm the Storm
-
Why music can both calm or energize — and how it depends on your current brain state
-
The science behind how music interacts with your nervous system
-
Why intentional listening can transform your emotional health
-
How to find the right music for your unique needs
-
Simple ways to use music daily for relaxation, focus, and emotional repair
-
The importance of noticing your own body’s response to sound
-
How music can support healing for anxiety, stress, and even PTSD
-
Music doesn’t do something to you — it interacts with you.
-
The same song can have completely different effects depending on your mental state.
-
You are the expert on how music affects your body and emotions.
-
Intentional listening is a simple, free, and powerful form of self-care.
-
Calming, resonant tones can help reduce rumination and promote emotional balance.
Dr. Barbara Minton is a psychologist, neuroscientist, and musician whose work explores the therapeutic power of music on the brain. She is the creator of Calm the Storm, a neuroscience-based musical collaboration with guitarist Peppino D’Agostino, designed to help listeners reduce stress, restore balance, and reconnect with themselves.
Visit musicandhealing.net to learn more about her research, listen to the album, and read her blog on music and the brain.
🔗 Connect with Dr. Barbara Minton🌐 Website: musicandhealing.net
💫 Connect with Peggy Meyer & Positive Solutions 4 Life🌐 Website: https://positivesolutions4life.com/
✨ Episode Quote:“Music doesn’t just soothe us — it interacts with our brains to help us heal.” — Dr. Barbara Minton
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!